Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers—including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, and esophageal malignancies—remain among the most lethal and complex diseases worldwide. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, systemic therapies, and diagnostic modalities, outcomes for many patients remain suboptimal due to late diagnosis, tumor heterogeneity, and resistance to therapy. Recent breakthroughs in molecular oncology and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming our understanding of GI cancer pathogenesis and enabling a new era of precision oncology.
This Research Topic aims to highlight cutting-edge developments at the intersection of artificial intelligence, molecular profiling, and translational research in GI malignancies. We invite original research, reviews, and perspective articles that explore how AI-driven approaches—such as machine learning, deep learning, and radiomics—are being leveraged to decode the molecular landscape of GI cancers, from genomic and transcriptomic alterations to immune microenvironment characterization. Special emphasis will be placed on studies that translate these discoveries into meaningful clinical applications, including early detection, prognostication, treatment stratification, and real-time decision support.
We also welcome contributions exploring:
- Integration of multi-omics data (genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics) using AI algorithms
- AI-assisted pathology, radiology, and endoscopy in GI cancer diagnostics
- Novel biomarker discovery and therapeutic target identification
- Computational modeling of tumor behavior, treatment response, and disease progression
- Clinical trials and real-world evidence evaluating AI-based tools in GI oncology
By bringing together interdisciplinary expertise—from oncology, bioinformatics, pathology, computational biology, and clinical gastroenterology—this collection seeks to foster a comprehensive dialogue on how intelligent technologies and molecular insights can be synergistically applied to transform the GI cancer care continuum.
We encourage submissions from both academic researchers and clinician-scientists, particularly those working on translational pipelines that connect bench discoveries to bedside applications. Through this Research Topic, we hope to provide a platform that accelerates innovation, encourages global collaboration, and ultimately improves outcomes for patients affected by GI cancers.
Keywords: Multi-omics Integration, AI-assisted Diagnostics, Tumor Heterogeneity, Biomarker Discovery, Treatment Stratification
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
